A headsup, folks – seeing a significant number of reports relating to distraction theft and bogus callers operating in the area, and Aldridge Neighbourhood Team have, in the last few days, issued an important warning.

Throughout the borough of Walsall and surrounding areas there has been an increase in bogus callers. These incidents will include criminals using false identities to try and get into your home to steal. This is known as distraction burglars or bogus callers.

Bogus callers can also wear ordinary clothes, they can be children or adults wanting nothing more than a drink of water or to wash their hands – beware these requests, they are excuses to distract you. Be wary of unknown youngsters who call asking for a drink, searching for lost pets, or saying their football is in your garden – they may be trying to distract you from your door.

Please take into consideration the following crime prevention advice in relation to these incidents.

Keep front and back doors locked (with keys taken out), even when at home

Check their identity card carefully even if the caller has pre-arranged appointment

If you need to leave a caller standing outside while you collect or check something indoors, close the door and lock it

Never use a telephone number given by the caller find the number in your telephone directory

If you are not comfortable ask the caller to return when someone is with you.

 If you are not sure DO NOT LET THEM IN

Genuine callers will not mind waiting whilst their identities are being verified. Utility Companies or councils now offer a password identification system. Any callers from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity. Further information about password schemes can be obtained by contacting individual companies

If in any doubt please contact the police and let us know on 101 or 999 if necessary.

Regards
Aldridge Neighbourhood Team

Please Think Safe and don’t become a Victim of Crime

Scumbags engaged in the robbing of OAPs and the vulnerable are lower than a snake’s knees, and I hope the police continue to crack down on this cowardly, nasty crime.

Please, if you have any information relating to these criminals, please contact Walsall Police by dialling 101 (999 in an emergency, obviously) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Tell your elderly relatives and friends to be careful; local police can advise on door chains and other security measures. Most of all, don’t buy at the door! Image from Cambridge Police.